Artistic Director

Photograph Courtesy Chris Redgrave Copyright 2017

Michael Gesme started his instrumental career on the trumpet in fifth grade and played in concert bands through college. Though perhaps best known to Central Oregon audiences as the conductor of the Central Oregon Symphony, Michael has served as an adjudicator, clinician and festival director for countless band events as well as the director of the Cascade Winds from 2003 to 2006 and again since 2012. As a Professor of Music at Central Oregon Community College, Michael has taught music theory, ear training, music history and conducting. In addition to his work with the Cascade Winds and the Central Oregon Symphony, Michael is the principal conductor for OperaBend and has been known to lead (and secretly enjoy) random pit orchestras for various productions throughout Central Oregon.

Michael can be reached via e-mail at mgesme@cocc.edu .